The Veliz brothers, Scott, left, and Chuck, will compete against each other on the football field this season. Scott is an offensive coordinator at Eastwood, and Chuck is the head coach at Montwood. (Victor Calzada / El Paso Times)

Ever since they were kids growing up in South El Paso, brothers Chuck and Scott Veliz always had a strong love of family and sports.

And as they competed in athletics, the two always dreamed that one day they could become coaches.

That dream became reality. The brothers will now share the football field -- just on opposite sidelines.

Chuck, 49, is the head coach at District 1-5A power Montwood High, where he has been the coach since 2002. Scott, 41, is entering his first year as the offensive coordinator at District 1-5A competitor Eastwood High.

The brothers are two of seven siblings in the Veliz clan, but are the only coaches. Their father, Arturo, was a baseball player at El Paso and also has a strong passion for sports, which filtered down to Chuck and Scott. Growing up, the Ysleta and Riverside graduates always looked to each other to help raise their games.

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Felix Chavez

"I was coaching Scott even when I was in high school and he was a young player in football, baseball and basketball," Chuck said. "Sports helped us grow as young athletes. We were always doing one sport or the other and pushing each other to be the very best. Coaching is something I've always wanted to do."

On occasion, the two talk football with one another. When Scott was hired to be the offensive coordinator for the Troopers, he checked in with older brother Chuck for advice.

"My brother has a wealth of knowledge," Scott said. "We get along great. He'll give me a hard time like an older brother does, but he's always there for me if I need him."

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And that family bond is stronger than ever. When not coaching, discussing strategy or refereeing high school basketball games as Chuck does, they spend plenty of time with their families. Scott and his wife, Belinda, have two children, while Chuck and his wife, Terri, have three of their own.

"Coaching is important to both of us, but when we're not coaching, it's all about the family," Scott said. "We don't really talk much football during our family get-togethers. We try and catch up on each other's lives."

On Nov. 7, the brothers will face off on the football field. But, regardless of the outcome, when they walk off the field, it will be about the brothers.

"Chuck has always been a mentor to me," Scott said. "He's like the monsignor of coaches in town. He's got a great mind for the game and can relate so well to the kids. I've picked his brain over the years and he's a good teacher of the sport."

"To see Scott grow as a coach over the years and develop means a lot to me," Chuck added. "I'm really proud of him and what he has achieved.

"We're both very competitive and want to be the very best we can be, but we also want to be leaders and help our student-athletes do their very best."

Felix Chávez may be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6167. Follow him on Twitter @fchavezeptimes

Veliz fileChuck Veliz

Position: Head coach of the Montwood High football team for 11 years.

Of note: Played high school football at Ysleta;as head coach at Montwood, has helped make the Rams a power in District 1-5A, winning 89 games; was former head coach at Del Valle; graduate of UTEP; family includes wife Terri and children Chris (23), Amanda (21) and Joshua (15).

Scott Veliz

Position: First-year offensive coordinator of the Eastwood High football team.

Of note: Played high school football at Riverside; former assistant at Riverside and Eastwood; family includes wife Belinda and sons Justin (13) and Brandon (12); graduate of University of Phoenix.

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